Graphic Designer at Kenyon College

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kenyon College

Location: Gambier, OH

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Design and produce a wide variety of visual content for both digital and print channels to enhance Kenyon College's brand identity and communication efforts.
Collaborate closely with the Director of Design and Publication to maintain and extend the college's visual brand system across all platforms.
Manage creative projects from initial concept through design, proofing, and final production, including vendor coordination for print and promotional items.
Develop and implement design templates for internal staff use, specifically for a Canva team, to ensure brand consistency.
Contribute to a dynamic, award-winning creative team within the Office of Communications, supporting recruitment, alumni engagement, and institutional reputation building.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required tools (e.g., CRM platforms like Slate, Canva team templates, digital and print production) indicate a role that bridges traditional graphic design with aspects of marketing operations and brand management within a higher education context. The emphasis on building brands and engaging diverse audiences aligns with strategic GTM (Go-To-Market) principles applied in an academic setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design compelling digital graphics for social media, email campaigns, videos, and the college website, ensuring visual appeal and brand adherence.
Create high-quality print materials, including brochures, posters, invitations, and other publications, for various college initiatives.
Develop and produce branded promotional merchandise and environmental graphics for events and campus spaces.
Enhance and extend Kenyon College's established visual identity system, ensuring all new projects and initiatives align with brand guidelines.
Manage the end-to-end production cycle for design projects, including soliciting bids, working with printing and promotional product vendors, and overseeing quality control.
Develop and maintain design templates within Canva for a team of staff members, empowering them to create on-brand materials independently.
Collaborate with writers, strategists, and visual media producers within the Office of Communications to create cohesive campaign materials.
Potentially mentor and guide student interns involved in visual content creation for the college.
Stay current with design trends and emerging communication technologies to ensure Kenyon's visual output remains modern and effective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute creative visions but also manage production workflows, understand vendor relationships, and contribute to scalable brand asset creation through template development. This suggests a role with a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency, crucial for a well-funded university communications department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Design, Art, Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field. Experience:
Minimum of three (3) years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating breadth and depth of creative work.
Experience in a higher education or similar institutional environment is highly preferred. Required Skills:
Superior typographic skills, demonstrating an expert understanding of font usage and hierarchy.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Familiarity with creating motion graphics and experience with Adobe After Effects for video and animation elements.
Knowledge of design environments such as Figma and Canva, with the ability to design for and within CRM platforms like Slate.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to multitask, establish production schedules, and consistently meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to rigorously follow a style guide and maintain brand consistency across all projects.
Excellent visual storytelling capabilities.
Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and production processes for print and merchandise. Preferred Skills:
Illustration and/or photography skills.
Experience working with a website Content Management System (CMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of CRM platforms (Slate), Canva for teams, and website CMS indicates a need for a designer who understands how their work integrates into broader marketing and communication technology stacks, extending beyond pure aesthetic design. This points to a role with operational considerations for content deployment and brand governance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A curated portfolio showcasing four to five distinct design projects that clearly demonstrate the depth and range of your creative work.
Projects should highlight proficiency in both digital and print mediums, as well as motion graphics if applicable.
Include examples that show your ability to work within established brand guidelines and extend a visual identity system creatively.
Demonstrate experience in managing projects from concept to completion, ideally with examples of vendor coordination or production challenges overcome.
Showcase your ability to create practical design solutions, such as templates for internal teams or assets for CRM integration. Process Documentation:
While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, your portfolio and interview responses should implicitly demonstrate your understanding of:
- Workflow design for creative projects, from briefing to final delivery.
- Process optimization for design production, including efficiency improvements.
- System integration concepts, particularly how design assets are used within digital platforms like websites, CRMs, and social media.
- Quality assurance processes for design, including proofing and brand compliance checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about showcasing aesthetics but also about demonstrating a structured approach to design execution and problem-solving. Applicants should be prepared to discuss the strategic thinking, process, and impact behind each project presented, especially those involving brand systems, templates, or cross-platform application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on Kenyon College's competitive compensation philosophy, the salary for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in Gambier, OH, is estimated to be between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This range accounts for the cost of living in the region and the specialized skills required, including Adobe Creative Cloud, motion graphics, and familiarity with CRM/design platforms. Benefits:
Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
TIAA Retirement plan, a robust retirement savings option.
Significant Tuition Waivers for Children: 100% at Kenyon College and 90% at 19 other Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) institutions.
Provisions for spouse, families, and domestic partners.
Access to the Kenyon College Staff Handbook, detailing further benefits and employment conditions.
Opportunities to work within a unique and engaging higher education environment. Working Hours:
Standard full-time hours are generally 40 hours per week.
The Office of Communications operates on a hybrid model, requiring at least two days per week on campus, with flexibility for the remaining time to be worked remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tuition waiver benefit is exceptionally strong and a significant differentiator for Kenyon College, particularly for employees with families. The salary estimate is based on data for similar roles in the Midwest higher education sector, adjusted for experience level and the specific technical requirements mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Liberal Arts College)

Kenyon College operates within the highly competitive and reputation-driven higher education sector. Its status as a nationally prominent private liberal arts college means a strong emphasis on academic excellence, close-knit community, and fostering meaningful relationships between students and faculty. The Office of Communications plays a critical role in articulating this value proposition to prospective students, alumni, faculty, and the broader public. This context demands a high standard of communication and brand representation.

Company Size: Kenyon College is a medium-sized institution with approximately 500-1000 employees. This size allows for a dedicated Office of Communications with specialized roles, fostering internal collaboration while maintaining a manageable workflow. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for focused work within a specialized team while still engaging with broader institutional goals.

Founded: Kenyon College was founded in 1824. Its long history contributes to a rich institutional heritage and a well-established brand that the graphic designer is tasked with upholding and evolving. This historical context often translates into a culture that values tradition alongside innovation.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer is part of the Office of Communications, reporting to the Director of Design and Publication.
This team likely comprises other specialists such as writers, strategists, and visual media producers, fostering a collaborative environment.
The team structure supports cross-functional projects where design is integrated with content strategy and broader marketing initiatives.
There is potential for interaction with and guidance of student interns, offering a mentorship aspect to the role. Methodology:
Data Analysis & Insights: While not a direct data analyst role, the designer is expected to create visuals that effectively communicate data and insights for various campaigns and publications. Understanding how to visually represent information is key.
Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing projects from start to finish, requiring effective planning, scheduling, and coordination to ensure timely delivery and efficient resource utilization.
Automation & Efficiency: Developing templates for Canva and working with digital platforms implies an understanding of how to leverage technology for scaled and efficient brand asset creation and deployment.

Company Website: https://www.kenyon.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kenyon's position as a top-tier liberal arts college is crucial. The "operations" aspect here lies in how the design function supports the college's strategic goals of recruitment, retention, and alumni engagement. The team is likely structured for high-quality output and cross-functional synergy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and technical skills, coupled with at least three years of professional experience. The responsibilities include project management and contributing to brand strategy, indicating a level of autonomy and creative leadership within design execution, but reporting to a director for overarching brand guidance.

Reporting Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Design and Publication. This reporting line suggests opportunities for mentorship, professional development guidance, and exposure to higher-level strategic decision-making within the Office of Communications. The Director likely provides creative direction, sets priorities, and reviews work for brand alignment.

Operations Impact:

The Graphic Designer's work has a direct and significant impact on Kenyon College's brand perception and its ability to achieve its institutional goals.

Recruitment: High-quality visual content attracts prospective students and showcases the college's academic and campus life.
Alumni Engagement: Compelling publications and digital assets keep alumni connected and foster ongoing support.
Brand Reputation: Consistent, professional design across all channels reinforces Kenyon's image as a prestigious institution.
Internal Efficiency: Developing templates empowers staff, streamlining content creation and ensuring brand consistency across departments.

Growth Opportunities:

Operations Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in workflow management, vendor relations, and the integration of design within marketing technology stacks (CRM, CMS, social media platforms).
Creative Specialization: Potential to develop specialized skills in areas like motion graphics, illustration, or environmental design based on project needs and personal interest.
Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success, there's a pathway to senior design roles, potentially leading design projects or mentoring junior designers and interns.
Cross-functional Exposure: Collaboration with writers and strategists offers insights into broader content and marketing operations, broadening the designer's understanding of GTM strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" lens on this design role emphasizes its strategic contribution to Kenyon's overall mission. Growth opportunities are framed not just by artistic advancement but by developing operational competencies that enhance the effectiveness and reach of the design function within the institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

The Office of Communications operates on a hybrid model. This means team members can split their time between an on-campus office and remote work. The requirement to be on campus at least two days per week ensures opportunities for in-person collaboration, team meetings, and access to on-site resources.

Office Location(s):

The primary work location is Gambier, Ohio, on the Kenyon College campus. Specific details about the office layout and amenities within the Office of Communications would be available upon inquiry or during a campus visit.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates intentional collaboration. On-campus days are likely focused on team synchronization, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews. Remote days offer focused individual work time.
Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace is equipped with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Canva) and potentially access to college-wide platforms like Slate (CRM) and a CMS. The office environment would support the use of these tools effectively.
Team Interaction: Even with hybrid work, the structure encourages regular interaction with the Director of Design and Publication, fellow team members (writers, strategists), and potentially student interns, fostering a supportive and creative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing employees to manage their work-life balance effectively while ensuring essential on-campus presence and meeting project deadlines. This flexibility is beneficial for operations professionals who may need dedicated blocks of time for deep work or creative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment. It suggests a culture of trust and autonomy, balanced with the need for collaborative presence. For operations, this means adapting workflows to accommodate both remote and in-office collaboration, ensuring seamless project execution regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for this role will likely involve several stages designed to assess creative talent, technical proficiency, and cultural fit within Kenyon College's Office of Communications.

Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and portfolio link to assess basic qualifications and creative output.
Portfolio Review & Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Director of Design and Publication and potentially other team members. This stage will focus on:

Portfolio Walkthrough: Discussing the strategy, process, and impact of selected projects.
Technical Skills Assessment: Questions about Adobe Creative Cloud, motion graphics, and other required software.
Brand Understanding: Evaluating your approach to maintaining and extending a visual identity.
Process & Workflow: Understanding your project management and production capabilities.

Potential Skills Challenge: A short design exercise or case study might be given to assess problem-solving skills and ability to work under a simulated deadline, focusing on a task relevant to Kenyon's needs.
Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or department head to confirm fit and discuss the role's broader context within the college.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 4-5 projects that best represent your range, skills (digital, print, motion), and ability to execute within brand guidelines.
Tell the Story: For each project, be prepared to discuss:
- The client/objective (Kenyon's context is key here).
- Your role and process.
- The challenges faced and how you overcame them.
- The outcome or impact of your design.
Highlight Operations: If any projects involved template creation, vendor management, or integration with CRMs/CMS, emphasize these operational aspects.
Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding and application of style guides.
Digital Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, Adobe Portfolio) and works flawlessly on various devices.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand the Context: If a challenge is given, try to infer the underlying objective – is it about speed, creativity, brand application, or technical execution?
Focus on Process: Even with a quick turnaround, think about and articulate your design process.
Brand First: For Kenyon, maintaining brand integrity will be paramount. Ensure any challenge response aligns with established visual identity.
Communicate: If working on a timed exercise, don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the cornerstone of this application. Candidates should prepare to not only show beautiful work but also to deconstruct their creative process, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and articulate how their design work supports institutional objectives like recruitment and alumni engagement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential. Advanced proficiency required in:
- InDesign: For layout and publication design.
- Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
- Illustrator: For vector graphics and logo design.
Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics, video editing, and animation.
Figma: For collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially UI/UX elements.
Canva: Specifically for developing and managing team templates for broader staff use.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not directly managing analytics, the designer will likely use data to inform design choices and report on the effectiveness of visual campaigns. Understanding how to present data visually is key.
CRM Platforms: Familiarity with Slate is specifically mentioned, indicating the need to design assets that integrate seamlessly with or are managed within this system.

CRM & Automation:

Slate: A key CRM platform in higher education, requiring design input for admissions portals, communication workflows, and event management.
Automation Tools (Implicit): The use of Canva templates for staff implies a form of design automation, enabling efficient content creation at scale.

Other Potential Tools:

Website CMS (Content Management System): Experience with a CMS is a preferred qualification, suggesting the designer might contribute directly to website content updates or design elements.
Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be beneficial for managing production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is a blend of core creative tools and platforms critical for institutional operations in higher education. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is a given, but the specific mention of Figma, Canva for teams, Slate CRM, and CMS indicates a need for a designer who understands how their work fits into a broader digital ecosystem and supports operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, visually compelling work that reflects positively on Kenyon.
Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and dedication to maintaining and enhancing Kenyon's established visual identity.
Collaboration & Communication: A proactive approach to working with colleagues, vendors, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Efficiency & Scalability: An interest in developing practical solutions, such as templates, that empower others and streamline processes.
Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to explore new design trends and technologies to keep Kenyon's communications fresh and effective.
Data-Informed Design: Understanding that design serves a purpose and should be informed by how it will be received and what it aims to achieve.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: The design role is embedded within a larger communications team, requiring close collaboration with writers, strategists, and other visual producers.
Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback during the design and production stages, with a constructive approach to revisions.
Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share design best practices, especially when developing templates or guiding interns.
Efficiency Experimentation: An aptitude for finding ways to make the design process more efficient, whether through better workflows, new tools, or template systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values both artistic excellence and operational effectiveness. For an operations professional, demonstrating an understanding of how design contributes to institutional goals, how to collaborate effectively across disciplines, and how to leverage tools for efficiency will be key to fitting into this team's values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Maintaining Kenyon's established visual identity while also pushing creative boundaries for new campaigns and initiatives.
Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines across various platforms (digital, print, merchandise, environmental).
Vendor Management & Production Oversight: Ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness when working with external printing and promotional product vendors.
Adapting to Evolving Digital Landscapes: Staying current with new social media formats, digital design best practices, and emerging technologies.
Integrating Design within Operational Systems: Ensuring design assets are optimized for and correctly implemented within CRM (Slate), CMS, and other institutional platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining deeper experience in project management, production workflows, and the operational aspects of marketing technology.
Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses in advanced motion graphics, illustration, or UI/UX design.
Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design or higher education marketing conferences to network and learn about the latest trends.
Mentorship: Learning from the Director of Design and Publication and other experienced team members.
Leadership Growth: Developing skills in guiding interns and potentially leading small design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a fantastic opportunity for a designer to grow beyond pure creative execution into a more strategically integrated role within institutional communications. The challenges are framed as opportunities for skill development, particularly in areas relevant to GTM operations and brand management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for taking a design project from initial brief to final delivery, especially when working with external vendors." (Focus on workflow, vendor management, and quality control.)
"How do you approach maintaining brand consistency while also introducing fresh creative concepts for a long-standing institution like Kenyon?" (Discuss balancing brand guidelines with innovation.)
"Can you walk us through a project where your design significantly contributed to a specific institutional goal, such as student recruitment or alumni engagement?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating impact.)
"How would you approach designing a set of templates for Canva to be used by staff across different departments, ensuring brand integrity and ease of use?" (Focus on practical application, scalability, and user experience.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about working in higher education, specifically at a liberal arts college like Kenyon?" (Research Kenyon's mission, values, and academic strengths.)
"How do you see your role contributing to the broader mission of Kenyon College's Office of Communications?" (Connect your design skills to institutional goals.)
"Describe your experience working in a hybrid or flexible work environment. How do you ensure productivity and collaboration?" (Highlight your self-management and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate the challenge, your approach/process, the solution, and the outcome/impact.
Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement on social media, higher conversion rates for a campaign, positive feedback on publications).
Highlight Operational Skills: Explicitly point out aspects of your projects that demonstrate project management, vendor coordination, or integration with systems like CRMs or CMS.
Demonstrate Brand Fluency: Show how you can adapt to and build upon an existing brand identity.
Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to discuss the software and techniques you used in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational understanding. Applicants need to show they can think strategically, manage projects effectively, and understand how their design work supports the college's larger operational and communication objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at Kenyon College:

Submit your application through the provided link on the careers page.
Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio of 4-5 strong design projects that showcase your breadth of skills, particularly highlighting work relevant to higher education, brand identity, digital and print media, and any experience with CRM platforms (like Slate) or template creation (like Canva).
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3+ years of professional experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, motion graphics capabilities, project management skills, and any experience in institutional or higher education settings. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for Kenyon College and the specific role, clearly articulating how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and company culture.
Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Prepare to present and discuss your portfolio in detail during interviews, focusing on your process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work. Practice articulating your role in projects and how you managed production.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Kenyon College's mission, values, current marketing efforts, and target audiences. Understand their brand identity and how your design approach can contribute to their goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Graphic Designer